The official start of spring is this week, and for some in the U.S., it can’t come too soon. The vernal equinox not only marks a change in the seasons, but a transition in life as the dormancy of winter gives way to life blooming anew. Click the links below to read how these essayists are inspired by the coming of spring.
Some say the secret to being a good friend is to be a good listener. But beyond friendship, being a good listener is essential in other relationships, both personal and professional. In honor of Listening Awareness Month, listen carefully to what these essayists have to say about being a good listener.
It’s National Foreign Language Week, a time when American high schools, colleges, and universities celebrate and recognize the importance of learning languages other than English. For some, the goal of learning a new language is to satisfy a grade in school. But for the essayists below, learning other languages changed their world.
It was Longfellow who said “Into each life some rain must fall.” But sometimes we must endure more than just one bad day; there are true setbacks and obstacles that block our life’s path. The following essayists have found that sometimes significant challenges turn out to be opportunities in disguise.
There must be something special about a kiss. Painters paint them, sculptors sculpt them, and poets write about them. Whether it’s a sweet peck on the cheek, the kiss of young love, or the passionate embrace of romantic love, the kiss endures in our memories. Click the links below to learn how these writers feel about a kiss.
Laura Ingalls Wilder was born this week 151 years ago. And yet, her Little House stories of life on the prairie are timeless in their appeal. Click the links below to read how these essayists have been inspired by the life and stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Nearly one-third of all school-aged children are bullied in America each year, and statistics show those who have been bullied suffer lower grades, self-esteem, and self-confidence. For the essayists below, being bullied—or even witnessing bullying—became a springboard for change in their lives.
There are numerous times in life that we aren’t quite sure what actions to take and which path is best for us. Jiminy Cricket would say the way to make life decisions is to let your conscience be your guide. Whether making life-changing decisions or frivolous choices, see what these essayists gained from listening to their inner voices.
Have you made any resolutions? The coming of a new year often inspires people to make changes in their lives. Trying something new can be fun, exciting or daunting, and for these essayists, change even brought them something new in which to believe.
Grace is a concept that means different things to different people. Yet, whether it’s divine or human, grace can sustain us through difficult times, or help us appreciate the simple gifts in life. Click the links below to read how grace inspired these essayists.
When Terri Maue's father was near his death, his family was at his side, asking what they could do for him. It was then that he uttered the words that have become a deep-seated belief for Ms. Maue. Click here to read her essay.
